Thursday, October 15, 2009

"We cheered as loudly as we could, and we skated circles around Dad as he walked back onto solid ground. All I could think was: 'My dad is the bravest man alive.'" - Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson by Sharon Robinson, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

He's known as the bravest man in baseball, the man who broke the color barrier in the major leagues. In 1947, Jackie Robinson made his major league debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers and became the first African American to play in the modern era of Major League Baseball. But Jackie Robinson was more than a great baseball player. He was an all-around gifted athlete, a business man, a civil rights activist and a husband and father. His daughter, Sharon Robinson, tells a story of his bravery on and off the field in her newly released picture book, Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson.

A compelling storyteller, Sharon Robinson shares two ways in which her father "tested the ice," first in his baseball career and then later in a more literal manner on a small lake near their home in Connecticut. Sharon describes her father's legendary entry into the major leagues, a move that broke the color barrier and paved the way for others. She layers that historical period of time alongside a more personal one -- a touching family moment when her father tested the ice on a lake near their home, checking it for weak spots before he allowed his children and their friends to ice skate, despite his fear of water and his inability to swim. In an understated way through the use of powerful metaphor she effectively relates Robinson's strong character, his fortitude and patience, despite his fear and the obstacles he faced.

Children often understand best when they have a way of relating to the subject matter. By recounting a personal event from her own childhood, Sharon Robinson draws children into the book and helps them learn a little about one of the greatest baseball players of all time and the fight to end racial injustices in our nation. Kadir Nelson's detailed, brilliant paintings sweep across the pages, perfectly capturing special moments from Robinson's memorable steal of home in the first game of the 1955 World Series to a breathtaking view of Robinson tapping on the frozen lake. Meant for children ages 7-10, the book contains a suspenseful moment and will keep their interest. Even those that are not baseball fans will find the story and illustrations awe-inspiring.

In the early 1950s, legendary baseball hero Jackie Robinson literally "tested the ice" for his kids who so eagerly wanted to skate on the frozen lake near their home. Under Sharon Robinson's skillful authorship and Kadir Nelson's vivid illustrations, Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson also becomes a stunning metaphor for her father's remarkable racial breakthrough.

One (1) grand prize winner will receive a TESTING THE ICE prize pack that includes: * Kidorable Hat, Glove & Scarf set (random styles – see image to the right) * copy of Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson.

Four (4) additional winners will receive a copy of the book, Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson.

To enter, leave a comment relevant to this post.

• For contact purposes, if you are a non-blogger or your email is not accessible in your blog profile, please leave a valid email address within the comment section. • Contest is open to US only • Contest ends on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 11:59 PM CST.• Winners will be chosen at random and notified by email

Three ways to gain extra entries (Maximum total entries is 4):1st extra entry: Follow Me! or subscribe by email or RSS reader2nd extra entry: Blog about this contest then post your link in the comment section.3rd extra entry: Follow me on twitter (iambrimful) and tweet about the contest.

What a marvelous prize package giveaway! The wonderful book about Jackie Robinson would make a great combination gift for my sons! The hat/glove and scarf set wouldbe very useful! Please enter my name in your delightful drawing. My husband and our sons are very much into baseball and its' heroes.Many thanks, Cindijchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

This sounds like an interesting read. The only things I ever learned about Robinson were about his baseball ventures. I would love to read a little more about him, especially from his daughter's point of view.mommastaci33(at)yahoo(dot)com

About Me

Brimful Curiosities is a mom blog/book blog featuring reviews and posts on children's books, music, educational products, toys and more. It's home to the weekly "Full to the Brim" Kid's Book Giveaway List. Occasionally it includes non-children related product and book reviews and personal postings.